Steph Nelson began writing fiction while deployed to Iraq as an Army behavioral health officer. Faced with the stressors of war, Steph used her writing as a way to process her experiences. Following her military service, Steph moved to the Washington, DC area where she currently works as a social worker. At a local book club, she met her good friend and writing partner, Jeff Durkin. After learning that Jeff also wrote fiction, they decided to collaborate on ideas for novels and other creative projects. Steph and Jeff co-host a biweekly movie rewrite podcast, Script Slayers, which launched in January 2023. Steph enjoys exploring places near and far, running, sunshine, deep conversations, hot sauce (the spicier the better), a warm cup of tea, and spending time with her son. She lives in Arlington, Virginia.
Why do you write? Writing is a form of therapy for me. When I’m undergoing stress, particularly when the world feels dark and foggy around me, writing gives me a sense of clarity. On a blank page, I can quiet chaos, organize my racing thoughts and process complex experiences. I can’t control other people, but I can control my characters and story arcs. When I write, it gives me hope that while I may not always like the circumstances I’m facing, there is always a new chapter and a different, more empowered narrative we can tell ourselves.
Do you listen to music while you write? Sometimes, and it’s all over the map, depending on my mood and what I’m writing. A kinetic action scene – EDM or K-pop. A darker, moody scene – 90s grunge/alt rock. A heady, intellectual scene – classical.
What’s your tip for pushing past writer’s block? Don’t think, act. I get myself in front of the computer and start typing. It may look like a hot mess at first, but eventually a story forms the longer I sit there. I almost always have a journal on me, so I’ll use that if I’m not in the mood to sit at my computer. I’ve found that writing using old-fashioned pencil/paper is enough to break a big mental block most of the time.
What’s your favorite drink while writing? I like warm beverages, even on hot days, so either a decaf black coffee or tea (caffeine turns me into an anxious insomniac). Lately I’ve been enjoying Rooibos tea. I’ll make an entire pot, put it on a tea candle warmer and go to town.
Born in Texas and raised in Michigan, after college Jeff Durkin left the icy Midwest for the less-icy Washington, DC area. While toiling away in various IT-related jobs, Jeff spends his free time writing (mostly horror and science fiction), painting, biking and running roleplaying games. His most recent story – “Last Flight of the Demeter,” a steampunk take on Dracula – can be found in the Winter 2022 issue of The Sirens Call magazine. He is the co-host – and technical staff – of the Script Slayers podcast, in which he and Steph Nelson review and rewrite movies that have problems in the storytelling department. Jeff currently lives in the great city of Arlington, Virginia with his amazing wife and a menagerie of stuffed animals.
Why do you write? I have a lot of worlds stuck in my head. Writing lets me get them out…or, at least, share them with the world. Seriously, there is no feeling quite like finishing a story, sharing it with other people and having them find some enjoyment from it.
Do you listen to music while you write? Usually a mix of electronica, metal, industrial, EDM, hard rock, classic punk – anything that’s loud and gets my fingers flying over the keyboard.
What’s your tip for pushing past writer’s block? Write something. Anything. Writer’s block for me is usually associated with a specific story. That can be frustrating – particularly if I have a deadline I’m trying to meet – but I always have something bouncing around in my head or some half-finished piece to work on. If that doesn’t work, try world building or expanding your character biographies. And if that doesn’t help, open up a book and read. I find that the more I read, the more I want to write.
What’s your favorite drink while writing? Coffee. Lots of coffee. I know, it’s a writer’s trope, but it works for me.